Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, July 6, 2015
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov

Kootenai and Bonner Counties receive Disaster Declaration

 

(Boise) Idaho Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter signed a Declaration of Disaster Emergency in support of Bonner and Kootenai Counties today following a wildfire that started Sunday afternoon near Lake Pend Oreille. The Cape Horn fire has destroyed multiple homes, and additional structures, and consumed more than two thousand acres. More than one hundred firefighters are battling the blaze and more than 200 residents have been evacuated.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and individuals who have lost homes in the area,” said Governor Otter. “We will continue to support the impacted jurisdictions in protecting lives, property and businesses.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Cape Horn Fire. Bonner County, Kootenai County and the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security requested the assistance due to the rapidly moving fire, dangerous fire conditions and the potential for its impact to the residences in the fire’s anticipated path.

The Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) authorization makes FEMA funding available to support state and local fire suppression and evacuation costs. FMAG declarations are only provided when fires have a high likelihood of causing damages to residences or infrastructure. Without the FEMA funding those costs would have created a significant financial burden for the impacted county.

“Fire conditions throughout Idaho are expected to remain extremely challenging throughout this fire season,” said IBHS Director Brad Richy. “We encourage citizens in the area to listen closely to local law enforcement agencies, and please evacuate when asked to do so.”

Up-to-date information on the Cape Horn and other Idaho fires can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/13/#

Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that IBHS is an Idaho-specific agency, and it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, IBHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.

 

Original Release